Processing keyword: ～にとって (〜ni totte)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～にとって (〜ni totte)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～にとって (〜ni totte) is used to express a perspective, opinion, or evaluation from the standpoint of someone or something. It is an essential expression in Japanese for conveying subjective judgments or feelings about a topic.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• English Equivalent: "For...", "To...", "From the viewpoint of...", "As far as... is concerned"

Usage

• Function: Indicates the perspective or standpoint of a person or entity regarding a matter or situation.
• Context: Commonly used to show how something is perceived or valued by someone.

Structure

Noun + にとって + Sentence

Formation Diagram

Component	Role	Example
Noun	Person/Entity whose perspective	私 (I)
にとって	Indicates standpoint	にとって
Rest of Sentence	Opinion/Evaluation/Statement	日本語は難しいです。
Complete Sentence: 私にとって、日本語は難しいです。
Translation: "To me, Japanese is difficult."

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3. Comparative Analysis

～にとって vs. ～には

• ～にとって: Used to express a subjective evaluation or opinion from someone's perspective.
  • Example: 学生にとって、この本は役に立ちます。
    "For students, this book is useful."
• ～には: Often used to indicate a characteristic or attribute relating to someone or something.
  • Example: この本は学生には難しいです。
    "This book is difficult for students."

～にとって vs. ～として

• ～にとって: Emphasizes perspective or opinion.
  • Example: 私にとって、彼は大切な友人です。
    "To me, he is an important friend."
• ～として: Indicates a role, capacity, or function.
  • Example: 彼は医者として働いています。
    "He is working as a doctor."

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 環境にとって、プラスチックの削減は必要不可欠です。
   Translation: "Reducing plastic is essential for the environment."
2. 会社にとって、利益よりも信頼が重要です。
   Translation: "Trust is more important than profit for a company."

Informal Speech

1. 君にとって、一番大切なものは何？
   Translation: "What's the most important thing to you?"
2. 彼女にとって、結果はどうでもいいみたいだ。
   Translation: "She doesn't seem to care about the result."

Written Context

1. 国民にとって、安全は最優先事項です。
   Translation: "Safety is the top priority for the citizens."
2. この発見は科学界にとって大きな一歩となるでしょう。
   Translation: "This discovery will be a big step for the scientific community."

Spoken Context

1. 子供にとって、それは理解しにくい話だ。
   Translation: "That story is hard to understand for children."
2. スポーツ選手にとって、健康管理は欠かせない。
   Translation: "For athletes, health management is essential."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Emphasizing Perspective: Japanese culture values understanding and expressing different perspectives to maintain harmony. Using ～にとって allows speakers to acknowledge individual viewpoints respectfully.

Levels of Politeness

• The expression ～にとって itself is neutral and can be used in both polite and casual speech. Adjust the politeness by modifying the verbs and sentence endings.

Idiomatic Expressions

While ～にとって is not typically part of idiomatic expressions, mastering its usage is crucial for understanding phrases that express opinions or perspectives in Japanese.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Attaching にとって to Verbs Directly
   • Incorrect: 彼にとって食べるのが好きです。
     (Attaching にとって directly to a verb.)
   • Correct: 彼は食べるのが好きです。
     "He likes eating."
   • Explanation: ～にとって should be attached to nouns, not verbs. It indicates the perspective of a noun.
2. Confusing にとって with ために
   • Incorrect: 健康のにとって、運動します。
     (Using にとって instead of ために to express purpose.)
   • Correct: 健康のために、運動します。
     "I exercise for my health."
   • Explanation: Use ために to express purpose or reason (meaning "in order to"), not にとって.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that とって comes from 取る (to take). Think of "taking a perspective" from someone.
• Practice with Perspectives: Write sentences from different viewpoints (e.g., "For me...", "For parents...", "For animals...") to get comfortable with using ～にとって.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～にとって is used to express a subjective perspective or opinion.
• Attach にとって to a noun to indicate whose viewpoint is being considered.
• Be cautious not to confuse にとって with other similar grammar points like には or として.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the primary function of ～にとって?
   • Answer: To express a perspective, opinion, or evaluation from someone's standpoint.
2. Choose the correct sentence using ～にとって:
   a) この本は、私にとって面白いです。
   b) この本は、私をとって面白いです。
   • Answer: a) この本は、私にとって面白いです。
3. Translate the following sentence using ～にとって:
   "For children, playing is important."
   • Answer: 子供にとって、遊ぶことは大切です。

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By mastering ～にとって, you'll enhance your ability to express opinions and perspectives in Japanese, making your conversations more nuanced and empathetic.

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